Watch: How The Indian Air Force Rescues German Nationals Stranded In Snowstorm In Himachal Pradesh

Heavy rains triggered flash floods in the Himalayas. Schools in most districts were closed and people residing, especially in low-lying areas of Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts were evacuated.

Now, the Indian Air Force has rescued a German couple from Lahaul-Spiti region in Himachal Pradesh where the German nationals got stranded due to a snowstorm. The duo was airlifted by the Western Air Command on Tuesday morning, the India Today reported.

Incessant snowfall for two days blocked Michael and his wife Annette¡¯s way where they were trekking. Due to the blizzard, the couple got stranded in Pingdom La where their supplies had ran out.

On Monday, Michael finally decided to activate his personal rescue beacon as a last resort. The Regional Coordination Centre then informed the Western Air Command immediately. The signal was coded which revealed that two German nationals were trekking from Ringdum to Dibling.

Although, the Siachen Pioneers Helicopter Unit, based in Leh decided to intercept the beacon call, however, dusk was falling rapidly and the weather conditions didn¡¯t permit a launch, therefore the rescue teams decided to wait until dawn.

Two helicopters led by pilots Wing Commander Dey and Wing Commander Pradhan finally left for the rescue at about 6 in the morning, absolutely clueless about who had sent the message.

Photo: India Today

The helicopters reached the point where the footprints had started and worked their way backward. They discovered a grey colored projection which looked like a rock surface from afar. ¡°Soon Michael came out of the tent, which we thought was a rock and waved to us," said Wing Commander Dey to India Today.

Since the site was located on an inclination, they could not land. Michael and Annett then moved out. Though the man had developed a frostbite, the woman was picked up by Wing Commander Pradhan while Michael was escorted by Commander Dey.

The rescue team along with the German nationals were flown back to safety in Leh. The couple has been admitted to a medical hospital where they are recovering.